Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the ensuing restoration.

There are several major factors that affect jaw bone volume:

Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease can affect and permanently damage the jaw bone that supports the teeth. Affected areas progressively worsen until the teeth become unstable.

Tooth Extraction – Studies have shown that patients who have experienced a tooth extraction subsequently lose 40-60% of the bone surrounding the extraction site during the following three years. Loss of bone results in what is called a “bone defect”.

Injuries and Infections – Dental injuries and other physical injuries resulting from a blow to the jaw can cause the bone to recede. Infections can also cause the jaw bone to recede in a similar way.

Reasons for bone grafts

Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth, or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in voids and defects in the bone.

There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the teeth:

Jaw Stabilization – Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.

Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.

Oral Examination

Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected area in order to assess the general condition of the teeth and gums. If periodontal disease is present or the adjacent teeth are in poor condition, these factors will be fully addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. The dentist will also recommend panoramic x-rays in order to assess the precise depth and width of the existing bone. On occasion, a CAT scan may be recommended to determine the bone condition. Depending on these results, the dentist may also anesthetize the area and explore into the gum in order to determine what kind and how much bone is required.

What Does Bone Grafting Involve?

There are several types of bone grafts. Your dentist will determine the best type for your particular condition.

Autogenous Bone Graft - Harvested from the patient’s own body (usually from the posterior part of the lower jaw or the chin). This method is usually preferred because it produces the most predictable results.

Allograft Bone Graft - Cadaver or synthetic bone is used in this type of graft.

Xenograft - Cow bone is used in this type of graft.

The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to complete. Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or on rare occasions obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor the implant(s).

During the surgery, the dentist will numb the grafting and extraction sites using local anesthetic. A small incision will be made to prepare the site for the new bone and it will be anchored into place. On occasion, a synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions, and encourages new bone growth. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be provided with comprehensive instructions for your post-operative care. The dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort and swelling.

Testimonials

“Dr. Cho is the best dentist I have ever had. After years of bad dentists, and even some that I thought were very good, only this man stands above the rest. He holds a unique philosophy of preventative dentistry and wants his clients to understand the full benefits of the methods involved. You will also see proof that he invests in superior technological advancements, such as electronic x-rays. I had never heard of such a thing, but it allows the patient to see high-resolution results of an x-ray in mere seconds on the LCD screen. He may also take pictures of all your teeth using a special oral digital camera. Now I call that attention to detail! He also has an amazingly well-balanced personality with interests in varying fields. You might even learn something new just by chatting with him in between your cleanings."

"I must recommend Dr. Cho to anyone in the Orange County area looking for a great dentist. I hope your visits are as enjoyable as mine. Good luck!”

-- K. Hermans

“I hate going to the dentist… more than anything in the world. I have been needing to go to the dentist for a long time, and finally decided to gather up courage and go. As soon as I called to make an appointment I had a great feeling. The woman on the phone was extremely nice and helpful. I went to my appointment (palms sweating) and was warmly welcomed by that same woman whose voice I remembered from my previous call. I met Dr. Cho and I have never felt so comfortable in a dentist chair. He was very caring and understood my immense fear of the dentist and did a wonderful job of making me feel at home. He definitely knows what he is doing. He explained everything and was very patient with all of my questions. He is personable, smart, and kind, and most of all..GENTLE! I look forward to my future appointments with him! The dental hygienist only works 2 days a week but I had the pleasure of being her patient. The entire staff is amazing!!! There aren’t enough nice words for the people at this office! Needless to say..I am no longer scared to go to the dentist! Thank you guys!”